frankmu

I read somewhere that the current trend in Japan is to wear the mask for anonymity. I can see that as our images can end up on the Internet without our consent.

By the way, any studies showing the efficacy of masks in reducing flu infections?

beachmouse

Without veering too much into OMNI territory, usually yes. A woman wearing a headscarf and baggy clothing but with a bare face doesn't merit a second glance at most American shopping malls any more. One wearing a niqab with only eyes visible will draw hostile looks.

Calliopeflyer

Not worried about it, but upset by it......no one likes to be around someone who thinks they are dangerous when they are not. You admitted you are wearing the mask because you think others are dangerous to you (i.e. your health). Why shouldn't people be upset by that?

LondonElite

This thread has all the hallmarks of OMNI and should be relegated there.

84fiero

I searched around earlier this season about this and found some scattered studies. Most seem to validate that surgical masks prevent transmission from the wearer quite well, when properly worn; but not so much at protecting the wearer from picking up the virus from others (which isn't what surgical masks are meant for anyway). N95 and similar respirators are more effective against acquisition from others, as they were intended to be. I can't claim to have done an exhaustive research, but concluded there wasn't much value in wearing a surgical mask to protect myself while I'm well....flu shot and hand washing are my main preventative measures.

jubberly

Why would anyone feel upset at someone trying to protect themself with an innocuous mask? Surely you don't think that someone wearing a mask out in a crowded public space is doing so because of only you?

Calliopeflyer

What's that?

Calliopeflyer

deleted because I figured out how to quote multiple posts in one response!

Calliopeflyer

In order for a mask to properly prevent exterior microbes (like viruses) from getting to the wearer of the mask, it would have to be worn inside out (yes, they do have an inside and an outside). As you said, wearing them the "correct way" will keep microbes from the person getting to the environment. We do that at work sometimes to keep from inhaling aerosolized particles during dental procedures.

Does it have to be ONLY me before my concerns are justified? I think that even as part of a group, I can still be upset by it.

jubberly

[QUOTE=Does it have to be ONLY me before my concerns are justified? I think that even as part of a group, I can still be upset by it.[/QUOTE]

You misunderstood.

What makes you think that you would be singled out by the mask wearer, in a group, for fear of contamination? Unless,of course,you were the only one in a group that was sneezing and coughing

Calliopeflyer

How did I misunderstand. My being upset by something is not an indication that I think I'm the only one who was targeted. Hey, sometimes I'm upset by things that I just observe and aren't a part of at all. Aren't you ever upset by things you see around you that don't involve you?

LondonElite

It's a place where all sorts of totally random, off-topic conversation that has little or no relevance to flying or travelling takes place, but you need to be a member for 90 days (I think) and a certain number of posts to see it in your drop down box.

jubberly

Sure,sometimes...through ignorance. I also appreciate it when someone takes the time to tell me not to get my knickers in a twist and to respect why others do things.Its too bad that more people can't be "tolerant" when they are faced with something "different" in their life experiences.Perhaps those "ignorant" people would be better off staying at "home" in their "comfort zone" ?

Uh-oh...but what if you're faced with a visitor with a different culture at "home"?

Calliopeflyer

LOL.....I am always faced with people from a different culture at home. I live in one of the most multicultural cities in the world, where more than half the residents have been born outside of the country. Different cultures are normal.

It's a shame it's only in times of ignorance that you get upset by things that don't include you. When I see others (individual or a group) being treated poorly or abused I get upset, even if it doesn't include me.....and I'm sorry those things don't upset you as well. This is not one of those cases, just an illustration of how something doesn't have to include me in order to upset me.

I realize I must accept that some things other people do legitimately and harmlessly will upset me -- that's life in the big, bad world. I have to live with being upset by those things, and get used to that reality -- but it doesn't mean those things don't upset me. Seeing people carrying handguns upsets me, but if it's done legally, I just have to accept it and accept my reaction. Seeing women in a full niqab or burqa upsets me, but if it's done out of their own free will, I just have to accept it and my feelings about not being able to see more than the someone's eyes. Same thing with motorcyle helmets or face masks.....it upsets and unsettles me, but that's life. I don't expect people to change just because they upset me, but when they ask how I feel about something, I will tell them honestly.

jubberly

I was referring to the wearing of face masks in a public place...what's so upsetting about that?...unless its in,say,a bank queue.LOL. On an airplane....relaaaaaaax